Off-duty Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shoots suicidal neighbor armed with airsoft gun (VIDEO)
An off-duty Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot a suicidal man who showed up at his front door armed with an airsoft gun earlier this month.
On the night of June 2, off-duty Trooper Brian Knirnschild opened the door to his Butler Township home to find his neighbor, Kristopher Barkus, 25, standing outside with what appeared to be a Beretta pistol, but what was later discovered to be an airsoft gun. Knirnschild ordered Barkus to drop his weapon. When Barkus aimed at Knirnschild instead, the trooper opened fire, Trib Live reports.
Barkus was struck in the chest and his brother, Bobby, drove him to Butler Memorial Hospital. He was then flown to Allegheny General Hospital, North Side, where he was later pronounced dead.
Kristopher Barkus’ family said he had suicidal thoughts and that before he left the house the night he was fatally shot, he had told them he was going to jump off a bridge. (Photo credit: CBS screengrab)
This wasn’t the first time Knirnschild and Barkus had met. Though the trooper had only moved into the neighborhood a little over a month ago, Barkus had already come to his house and initiated a confrontation several times.
Around a month ago, Barkus approached the trooper at his home and asked to be arrested. Several weeks ago, Barkus returned and was ordered away by Knirnschild. On May 17, Butler Township police charged Barkus with harassment, though it’s not certain if that incident was regarding Knirnschild.
But according to Barkus’ parents, their son, who was suffering from depression and health problems, was likely going to the trooper’s residence to seek help, WPXI reports.
“You’ve lost the biggest treasure you’ve been blessed with,” said Barkus’ father, Bob Barkus. “I believe he went to the neighbor’s house. He met him before [and] knew he was a policeman and he could help him.”
“We, and especially my wife, have been dealing with this for so many years… his health problems, trying to get him squared away,” Bob said.
Moments before Barkus left his home he told his family he was going to jump off a bridge. His brother Bobby followed him to Knirnschild’s and witnessed the shooting. His father Bob says he wishes he had gone after his son too.
“We love him and miss him dearly already,” Bob told WTAE. “He loved music, and he was quite accomplished with a guitar. He could sing as well, compose, write songs. He was port of the music of our lives.”
Lt. Eric Hermick said Knirnschild “fired to protect himself and his family,” adding that he’s “been a commendable trooper.”
Knirnschild has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation into the shooting continues.
The post Off-duty Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shoots suicidal neighbor armed with airsoft gun (VIDEO) appeared first on Guns.com.
Source: http://www.guns.com/2014/06/12/off-duty-pennsylvania-state-trooper-fatally-shoots-suicidal-neighbor-armed-with-airsoft-gun-video/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=off-duty-pennsylvania-state-trooper-fatally-shoots-suicidal-neighbor-arme
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Yes, but the neighbor was armed…..he had two of them….